Kevin Durant’s brother, Tony Durant, has openly expressed his disapproval of the New York Knicks’ rumored interest in hiring Dawn Staley as their next head coach. His opposition surfaced in the comment section of a Complex Instagram post on Sunday, where he dismissed the idea in no uncertain terms. This highlights a growing debate over the Knicks’ search and the broader conversation about women coaching in the NBA.
Tony Durant’s blunt response drew attention, including a reply to a fan that further clarified his stance on the matter.
“Aye younggggggg she gon have 6 ppl on the roster n***** ain’t playing for no woman man lol as great of a coach she is no sir stay in college and don’t leave lmaooo.”
—Tony Durant, Kevin Durant’s Brother
The Knicks came into this coaching search after parting ways with Tom Thibodeau following their recent playoff exit. However, the team has faced setbacks, being unable to secure interviews with several NBA head coaches from teams such as the Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. With these talks stalled, New York is reportedly turning its focus toward Dawn Staley, the legendary South Carolina coach known for her decorated career in women’s basketball.
Widely celebrated in the collegiate arena, Staley’s potential jump to the NBA would mark a significant shift. Yet, questions remain about how her skills will translate to coaching at the highest professional men’s level.
Dawn Staley’s Potential Role as the Second Female NBA Head Coach
Should the Knicks hire Dawn Staley, she would become only the second woman to hold a head coaching role in the NBA. The trailblazer in this regard is Becky Hammon, a former assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs. Hammon briefly served as acting head coach after Gregg Popovich’s ejection during a 2020 game and has guided the Spurs’ summer league team to a championship. She eventually left the Spurs to lead the Las Vegas Aces, where she secured consecutive WNBA titles in 2022 and 2023.
Staley’s appointment to the Knicks would represent a notable challenge, as she would need to adjust from college basketball to the fast-paced, highly competitive NBA environment. This decision could signal a bold and historic shift in hiring, reflecting the Knicks’ willingness to explore diverse leadership options.
The controversy stirred by Tony Durant’s pointed remarks underscores the tension that can arise when traditional views on coaching overlap with evolving opportunities for women in professional men’s sports. The Knicks’ next move in this coaching search could have lasting implications for the team’s future and the broader landscape of the NBA.